Rep. Charles Rangel
Fourteen years ago on September 11th, our nation suffered a tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives when terrorist attacked the World Trade Center (WTC) and the Pentagon.
We will never forget the first responders who charged up the stairs of burning buildings, men and women who stormed the cockpit of Flight 937 in Pennsylvania and those who answered their country’s call to fight global terrorism, and are still serving in uniform to make our nation safer and prevent future threats.
We must continue to work towards strengthening programs that support victims and their families still facing mental, physical, and economic burdens as a result of the attacks.
I am proud to join my Colleagues in calling for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which supports over 33,000 affected civilians through two vital programs. The World Trade Center Health program ensures that citizens can continue to receive medical monitoring and the Victims Compensation Act compensates those who were exposed to deadly toxins as a result of the 9/11 attacks. It is imperative that such programs are extended before they expire this October 2015. The Zadroga bill should be made permanent in order to ensure that we can provide citizens the care they need and deserve.
America stood strong and united in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
Younger generations may not have lived through the horrors of this day but should always know that we are resilient and that America will never waver in the face of adversity.
Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.
